Mental Floss

CATS

These cats went to sea and to space, and inspired artists, writers, and scientists.

Anyone with a cat will probably argue that their feline is the coolest—but there have been at least a few other candidates through the ages, from Able Seacat Simon to Abraham Lincoln’s kitties to the feline that inspired Nikola Tesla.

Kerry Wolfe
You rang?

Cats and “Pspsps” go together like toddlers and the crinkling wrapper of a candy bar that you were trying to eat in secret. What gives?

Ellen Gutoskey
Halloween isn't the only time of year to celebrate these cute kitties.

Black cats do not bring bad luck, and they aren’t necessarily harder to adopt than other cats. Here are more facts about these adorably dark furballs.

Kaitlin Stainbrook








Cats will try to eat just about anything.

Your cat's weird snacking habits may be related to compulsive behavior condition—or they might just like the crinkly sound.

Jennifer Billock




Not all Manx cats are tailless like this one.

Manx cats can have tails of varying lengths, but only “rumpies” or “rumpy risers” are eligible to compete in the championship classes in CFA cat shows.

Kirstin Fawcett




Sorry cat, the secret is out.

Cats do fart—but their flatulence is usually quiet. Veterinarians explain why.

Jake Rossen








Furniture is no match for a cat’s claws.

You may not be able to stop your cat from scratching, but you can try to prevent them from shredding your couch to bits or gouging the door frames so badly you have to forfeit your apartment’s security deposit. 

Kerry Wolfe